Key information

Title
Chair for reinforcement
Application number
20240372
Case type
National
Status
15.09.2025 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed
18.04.2024
Effective date
18.04.2024
Publicly available
15.09.2025
Next annual fee due
30.04.2027
Applicant
CHEETHAM JOHN OLDROYD (NO)
Owner
CHEETHAM JOHN OLDROYD (NO)
Inventor
John Oldroyd Cheetham (NO)
Agent
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS (NO)
Granted
15.09.2025
Patent number
349084
Expiry date
18.04.2044

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
This publication relates to a chair (12) for supporting a reinforcement element (20) for concrete on a supporting surface (11), for example arranged on a tunnel wall or roof surface. The said chair (12) being made of a plastic material and comprises a base member (15) with a bottom surface (24) and a top surface (27) opposite the bottom surface (24). The bottom surface (24) of the base member (15) is configured to be attached to the supporting surface (11). An intermediate part (16) being fixed to and extending out from the top surface of the base member (15). And a reinforcement bar locking device (17) provided with a member for receiving and fixing the reinforcement element (20), the locking device (17) being fixed to an opposite end of the intermediate part (16).

Publications

B1A1
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Documents

 Expand Download files (30)
Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 22.09.2025 11-01 Saksbehandling 20240372(349084) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20240372)
11.09.2025 10-02 Saksbehandling 20240372(349084) UT PT20240372_Priority
11.09.2025 10-01 Saksbehandling 20240372(349084) UT Brev prioritetsdokument ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 10.09.2025 09-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 16.06.2025 08-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 UT PT Meddelelse om patent ACAPO AS
 13.06.2025 07-07 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Norske krav ACAPO AS
 13.06.2025 07-06 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Krav renskrevet ACAPO AS
 13.06.2025 07-05 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Krav annotert ACAPO AS
 13.06.2025 07-04 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Besvarelse ACAPO AS
 13.06.2025 07-03 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Beskrivelse renskrevet ACAPO AS
 13.06.2025 07-02 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Beskrivelse annotert ACAPO AS
 13.06.2025 07-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 06.05.2025 06-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 UT Realitet patent ACAPO AS
 18.03.2025 05-04 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Krav renskrevet ACAPO AS
 18.03.2025 05-03 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Krav annotert ACAPO AS
 18.03.2025 05-02 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Besvarelse ACAPO AS
 18.03.2025 05-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 18.11.2024 04-05 Saksbehandling 20240372 UT PT report 12:31:12
18.11.2024 04-04 Saksbehandling 20240372 UT D5 SDS-OLDROYD�-MultiSafe-1500-R
18.11.2024 04-03 Saksbehandling 20240372 UT D4 SDS-OLDROYD-RoadRunner
18.11.2024 04-02 Saksbehandling 20240372 UT D3 Oldroyd_tunnelbrosjyre_skjerm_org
18.11.2024 04-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 UT Realitet patent ACAPO AS
 16.07.2024 03-03 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Overdragelseserklæring ACAPO AS
 16.07.2024 03-02 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 Fullmakt ACAPO AS
 16.07.2024 03-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 19.04.2024 02-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 UT Formalia 1 ACAPO AS
 18.04.2024 01-03 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 - søknadstekst ACAPO AS
 18.04.2024 01-02 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN P20839NO00 - figurer ACAPO AS
 18.04.2024 01-01 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN Søknadsskjema Patent ACAPO AS
 12-02 Saksbehandling 20240372 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO ONSAGERS AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
The Technical Field of the InventionThe invention relates to a chair for supporting a reinforcement element for concrete on a supporting surface, for example arranged on a tunnel wall or roof surface. The invention further relates to a method for fixing a reinforcement element for concrete on a supporting surface in a predetermined distance from said supporting surface using the chair for supporting the reinforcement element. The chair being connected to the supporting surface. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the chair.Background for the InventionIn many cases, there is a need for a waterproof and/or fireproof lining of a wall or a roof, such as for example the walls and/or roof of a tunnel or a rock wall, and at the same time there is a requirement that such linings or membranes are covered by concrete. The lining is affixed to the wall /roof by means of rock anchors fixed to the rock, the lining being arranged as a continuous lining across the tunnel in lengthwise sections, forming a water-tight barrier. In addition, reinforcement is fixed to the same rock anchors whereupon a layer of concrete is shot on to the lining, the lining serving as formwork for such shotcrete.In order to reinforce the concrete, reinforcement is required, either as reinforcement rebars extending both in a longitudinal direction of the tunnel and also in transverse direction, following the contour of the lining, or as reinforcement nets. Such reinforcement is affixed to the lining, prior to shotcreting to prevent parts of the flexible lining from being displaced during concreting and to secure the required minimum distance from the lining to the reinforcement and to secure the required coverage of the reinforcement. Hence, it has previously been proposed to use a number of chairs, either fixed to rock behind the lining, or to the lining itself, if possible. Such fixing operation is both tedious and time consuming. At the same time the lining may excessively be punctured, establishing points or areas prone to leakage of water through the lining or membrane.There exist several prior art solutions for fixing reinforcement to a lining or an insulating liner for walls or tunnels. Typical methods may be to screw the chair into the supporting wall; or to glue the chair to the supporting surface; or to weld the chair to the supporting surface; or to allow the chair to rest due to its own weight and the reinforcement on a more or less horizontally oriented supporting surface.To be able to attach the chair by a screwing method, the supporting wall must be of a character allowing a screw end of a chair to be screwed into the supporting wall.The most pertinent method for attachment closest to the method according to the present invention, and the method with most similar features with the method and chair according to the present invention, is to use glue for attaching and fixing the chair to the supporting surface. Use of glue incorporates a number of inherent drawbacks. Firstly, the glue itself must be of a two-component type, preferably mixed in the outlet of a glue pistol or melt glue pistol. Such glue is expensive, requiring a clean surface to secure sufficient and adequate gluing effect. Moreover, such method also requires a period to enable the glue to cure. Hence the method is both expensive due to time taken and the cost of the glue. Moreover, experience has shown that the quality of the gluing effect may vary substantially, both due to lack of or varying proper distribution of a uniform layer of glue over the entire contact area of the chair. Consequently, it is experienced that some of the chairs drop off during placing of the reinforcement and/or during concreting, the shotcrete being applied at a high impact on the supporting surface, reinforcement and chair. In areas where one or more chairs have dropped off, the supporting surface will yield during the shotcreting operation, forcing the supporting surface outwards towards the tunnel wall behind. In such regions the layer of shotcrete will as a consequence be thicker, thus consuming more concrete than necessary due to the yielding outwards, thus increasing time taken for the concreting process and the added volume of concrete necessary.To be able to attach the chair by a welding method using heating, the contact area or surface of the supporting wall and the chair are being heated prior to pressing the chair towards the supporting wall for fixing the chair to the supporting wall. The supporting wall and the chair both being of such character that they allow to be welded together by heating the contact areas or surfaces, wherein the welding surfaces melts together under influence of heat and pressure. The chair and the supporting wall being made of different materials with different melting temperatures, requiring different heating temperature and/or heating time. Consequently, the chair and the supporting wall are heated separately, and require a longer time for the operator to fix the chair and subsequently applying the reinforcement and shotcreating. It is often troublesome to work upon a tunnel roof, where arms often are held over head or at least arms being held high up with a potential for strain injury.SE195055A1 describes a chair for fixing a supporting profile to a lining or supporting surface, for example arranged on a tunnel wall or roof surface. The chair comprising a base member configured to be attached to the lining and having a stem extending out from the base. A fin extends out from the stem for locking the supporting profile by threading the profile onto the stem pass the fin, such that the fin locks the profile in place.NO34191B1 describes a chair for supporting a reinforcement member for concrete on a supporting surface, for example arranged on a tunnel wall or roof surface, comprising a base member configured to be attached to the supporting surface, an intermediate part fixed to and extending out from one side of the base and a reinforcement bar locking device fixed to an opposite end of the intermediate part. The locking device is provided with a member for receiving the reinforcement member. The chair is made of plastic material that may be fixed by welding to the supporting surface and both the supporting surface and at least the base part of the chair is made of compatible plastic materials that allow welding by hot air.There is a need for a robust chair that may be affixed to a watertight membrane or lining without puncturing the lining and which in a quick and efficient manner may be fixed to the lining. Moreover, there is a need for a chair that allows quick and efficient mounting of the reinforcement and where the reinforcement is maintained in the intended position subsequent to fixing and during the shotcreting process where both, the chair, the lining, and the fixation of the chair to the lining are subjected to large forces and rough impact.The lining on the one hand, although fixed to the tunnel wall by means of the rock anchors, is flexible and pliable, so that the distance between the lining and the established or mounted reinforcement may vary due to said flexibility. On the other hand, the reinforcement fixed to the rock anchors forms a quite rigid frame structure. Because of the varying distance between the fixed reinforcement and the flexible lining, and to secure an even distance between these two elements, chairs are used. Said chairs are fixed subsequent to mounting of the lining and reinforcement on the rock anchors, the chairs being used to obtain the correct distance between the lining and the fixed reinforcement. As a consequence, sometimes the lining must be pushed away from the reinforcement and in other instances the chairs are used to pull the lining towards the fixed reinforcement. It is therefore a need for a chair and a fixing method that secures adequate fixing very quickly, enabling pulling or pushing the lining into required position rapidly after fixing of the chair.Summary of the InventionAn object of the present invention is to provide a method and a chair suitable for affixing reinforcement bars or net to a membrane covering the roof and walls for example in tunnels, forming reinforcement for shotcrete shot onto the wall/roof.Another object of the present invention is to provide a chair which quickly can be fixed to a supporting surface by thermal air welding, either vertical; curved or downwards hanging from a roof surface and at the same time being easy to manufacture, leaving the casting mold easily; and also being configured to easily receiving the reinforcement bars or net to be supported.Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a chair and a method for affixing the chair and also the reinforcement to be supported in an attractive manner for the operator to establish the reinforcement for subsequent concreting or shotcreting. A further object of the present invention is to provide a chair and a method for fixing the chair to a membrane or a lining that may resist the forces and impact imposed by concrete shot onto the lining and reinforcement during the shotcreting process.A still further object of the present invention is to provide a chair and a method for fixing the chair to a membrane or lining providing a robust and rigid connection between the chair and the membrane or lining without puncturing the membrane or lining during the fixing stage or during shotcreting.The objects are achieved by a chair and a method for affixing such chair to a supporting surface as further defined by the independent claims, while embodiments, alternatives, modifications and variants are defined by the dependent claims.In a first aspect the present invention relates to a chair for supporting a reinforcement element for concrete on a supporting surface, for example arranged on a tunnel wall or roof surface, said chair being made of a plastic material and said chair comprises a base member comprising a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the base member is configured to be attached to the supporting surface. The base member provides a stable connection with the supporting surface. An intermediate part is being fixed to and extending/projecting out from the top surface of the base member and a reinforcement bar locking device fixed to an opposite end of the intermediate part, the locking device provided with a member for receiving and fixing the reinforcement element, wherein the locking device being fixed to an opposite end of the intermediate part. The base member comprises a connecting surface layer on the bottom surface of the base member configured to be attached to the supporting surface. The connecting surface layer is being made of a material having a melting temperature equal to or close to the melting temperature of the supporting surface. Having a melting temperature of the connecting surface layer equal to or close to the melting surface of the supporting surface considerably reduces the risk of that the supporting surface is being damaged from the heat, for example through puncturing the fabric of the membrane or lining increasing the risk of for example water intrusion. Such damage is difficult to detect, and after assembly of the membrane or lining, reinforcement elements etc. and subsequent shotcreting, it is a high cost to repair, difficult to detect where the damage is, and associated socioeconomic costs due to closing networks of roads etc.In embodiments, the material of the connecting surface layer being a material weldable to the supporting surface. Hence, the connecting surface layer is fixed by welding to the supporting surface. Through welding of plastic material robust, strong and durable connections are achieved, which is important for such chairs for use in tunnels fixing reinforcement for concrete to membranes or linings.In embodiments, the connecting surface layer is an adhesive layer. The adhesive is applied during manufacturing and the adhesive effect is activated by applying heat to the adhesive layer during installation to ease the work of the operator. The heat being applied with a temperature equal or lower than the temperature being applied to the supporting surface.In embodiments, the base member is having at least one straight edge for the chair to lean or rest on while tilting the chair while applying heat to the connecting surface layer and/or the supporting surface.In embodiments, the base member is having at least two straight edges, increasing the flexibility in that the operator can choose at least two different edges to lean or rest on.In embodiments, the base member is having a square shape.In embodiments, the base member is provided with at least one projection projecting out from a straight edge of the base member, the projection projecting parallel to the top surface and bottom surface of the base member. The chair can lean or rest on the at least one projection, instead of leaning or resting on a straight edge. The projection provides flow through of the hot air, avoiding trapping the heat towards the member or lining and avoiding heating the membrane unnecessarily up in order to reduce or eliminate the risk of damaging the connecting surface layer of the chair and/or the supporting surface of the membrane or lining.In embodiments, the base member is provided with at least two projections projecting out from a straight edge of the base member, the projection projecting parallel to the top surface and bottom surface of the base member. Having two projections projecting out from a straight edge of the base member keeps the chair stable leaning or resting on the supporting surface, only tilting in one direction, avoiding sideways tilting.In embodiments, the base member is provided with at least two projections projecting out from at least two straight edges of the base member, the projections projecting parallel to the top surface and bottom surface of the base member. Thus, giving the operator the flexibility to choose in which direction to tilt the chair for heating the connecting surface layer and/or the supporting surface.In embodiments, the reinforcement bar locking device is being provided with a member for receiving the reinforcement element. The locking device is in a form of at least one outwardly deflectable surface, enabling the reinforcement element to be snapped into an aperture of the locking device. The at least one outwards deflecting surface is, upon completed receipt of the reinforcement element, bent and welded to an adjacent surface, thereby closing the snapping part of the locking device.In embodiments, the connecting surface layer of the base, configured to face towards the supporting surface, may preferably, but not necessarily be provided with outwards projecting fins, ridges, points or protrusions or unevenness and/or is given a thickness and/or flexibility and/or thickness that enables the base to be bent at a rim point or portion during an initial stage of installation. Such outwards projections may enhance the welding process and the end result.According to an optional embodiment, the intermediate part may be in the form of a single stem projecting outwards from the base and forming an integrated part with the base.In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for fixing a reinforcement element for concrete on a supporting surface in a predetermined distance from said supporting surface, where the chair for supporting the reinforcement element is connected to the supporting surface, The method comprises the following steps:(i) heating of the connecting surface layer of the chairs base and/or of the supporting surface by hot air from a heat generating device,(ii) welding the base of the chair onto the supporting surface,(iii) inserting and snapping a reinforcement element into the reinforcement bar locking device,(iv) bending and welding the at least one outwards deflecting surface to an adjacent surface, thereby closing the snapping part of the locking device.In embodiments, hot air is blown in along the supporting surface under the bottom surface of the chair, and that a slot is provided during the initial stage of the heating into which hot air is blown, enabling at least the connecting surface layer of the base and possibly also the supporting surface to be exposed to the heat, whereupon the heated base is pressed down into contact with the preferably heated supporting surface.In embodiments, the air temperature of the hot air supplied is in the region of 500 °C; the surfaces being heated for 1 to 4 seconds; and then the surface of the chair to be attached is pressed onto the heated supporting surface.In embodiments, the opening in the locking device can be closed upon completed insert of reinforcement element. In embodiments, the opening can be closed by means of welding using hot air from a heat generating device.In embodiments, the chair can be oriented in such way on a more or less vertical surface that the opening is oriented upwards.In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing of the chair, wherein the connecting surface layer is injection moulded onto the bottom surface of the base member of the chair in a two-cavity mould for a multicomponent injection moulding process of the chair.The supporting surface of the membrane or lining is typically made of a plastic material.In order to secure fixing of the chair to the supporting surface, hot air can be blown along the bottom surface of the base of the chair in under the connecting surface layer of the chair. Moreover, a slot can be provided during the initial stage of the heating into which hot air is blown, enabling at least the connecting surface layer of the base and possibly also the supporting surface to be exposed to the heat, whereupon the heated base is pressed down into contact with the preferably heated surface of the support layer.According to one embodiment the chair is preferably tilted, forming for example an initial angle in the order of 45 degree between the supporting surface and the bottom surface of the chair. During this stage the portion of the base is in contact, the contact being on the opposite side of the heating source, the base surface portion being pressed down onto the supporting surface. During at least this initial stage, the surface of the base surface receives a curved surface, the base being pressed down towards the supporting surface.According to one embodiment, the base of the chair is having at least one straight edge wherein the chair upon tilting for heating the connecting surface layer and possibly the supporting surface is leaning or resting on the straight edge of the base of the chair in order to ease the distribution of the heated air, preferably an even distribution of the heated air.According to one embodiment, the base of the chair is having a square shape, wherein the chair upon tilting for heating the connecting surface layer and possibly the supporting surface is leaning or resting on a straight edge of the square base of the chair in order to ease the distribution of the heated air, preferably an even distribution of the heated air.According to one embodiment, the chair having a projection projecting out from the base having a square shape, parallel to the top and bottom surface of the chair such that the hot air can pass between the base and the supporting surface, to avoid trapping the heat towards the membrane or lining and thus avoid heating the membrane unnecessarily up.According to one embodiment, the connecting surface layer of the chair is made of an equal or similar material to the material of the supporting surface, and the temperature needed to heat the connecting surface layer is equal to or lower than the heat needed to heat the supporting surface when fixing the chair to the supporting surface by means of a weld when they are pressed together. Giving an as equal distribution of the heat as possible. Thus, the heating time is as short as possible easing the work of the operator. The chair is molded in a material giving the necessary strength of the chair to sufficiently fix and hold the reinforcement elements, while the bottom surface of the base of the chair is molded in a material that can be heated and thus welded quickly to the supporting surface. The chair may be injection moulded in a two-cavity mould for a multi-component injection moulding process.According to one embodiment, the connecting surface layer is an adhesive layer. The adhesive preferably being applied during manufacturing of the chair, the adhesive can be activated by applying heat at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the supporting surface to be fixed to before the chair is pressed onto the supporting surface. The heating temperature being high enough to activate the adhesive but low enough not to harm or damage the supporting surface, e.g., by puncturing the supporting surface or the outer fabric of the supporting surface.According to an embodiment, the temperature of the hot air supplied can be in the region of 500°C; the surfaces being heated for 1 to 4 seconds; and then the surface of the chair to be attached is pressed toward the heated supported surface for establishing the required welding effect.Moreover, the opening in the receiving and locking device can be closed upon completed insert of the reinforcement element, for example by means of welding using hot air from a heat generating device.For additional measures securing that the assembled reinforcement bars do not unintentionally dropping out of the locking element, the chair may be oriented in such way on a more or less vertical surface that its opening is oriented upwards.The material used for fabricating the chair may preferably not necessarily be polyolefin. Tests have shown that the welded chair in fixed, welded position may withstand loads exceeding 500 Newton, in fact up to 1000 Newton.According to the present invention the time taken for fixing the chair to the supporting surface or wall is in the order of up to five to six seconds and sufficient fixing force is instantaneously achieved. This means that the time taken for establishing a completely reinforced wall or surface may be substantially reduced, resulting in considerate construction time and cost saving and a more efficient construction process.The fixation force, i.e. the binding force between the base of the chair and the supporting liner or membrane is enhanced. The chair according to the present invention may also be welded to insulation linings with the same degree of success. According to the present invention a method and a chair that is endurably fixed to the lining, being immediately or at least within a timeframe of maximum 10 seconds able to resist the pushing or pulling forces on the joint between the base of the chair and the lining without breaking, are obtained.Brief Description of the DrawingsIn the following embodiments of the invention shall be described in closer details, referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein:Figure 1 shows schematically a cross section through a tunnel, prior to shotcreting, indicating a lining, a plurality of chairs and affixed reinforcement;Figure 2 shows schematically a section of a wall surface, indication horizontal and vertical reinforcement, supported by chairs;Figure 3 shows schematically a side view of one embodiment of a chair according to the present invention;Figure 4 shows schematically a view of the chair disclosed in Figure 3, rotated 90 degrees;Figure 5 shows in enlarged scale a section of the entrance for reinforcement bars in the reinforcement bar locking device, marked by A in Figure 3;Figure 6 shows in enlarged scale a section of the base of the chair, marked with B in Figure 3;Figure 7 shows schematically a view of the chair disclosed in Figures 3 and 4, seen from above;Figure 8 shows schematically a bottom view of the chair, indicating the bottom surface intended to be faced towards the lining; Figure 9 shows schematically a first stage in the process of affixing a chair to a supporting surface, where only a rear part of the base is in contact with the supporting surface, the rear part being pressed downwards towards the supporting surface;Figure 10 shows schematically a second step in the affixing process, where a thermal heat source adds heat to the contact surface of the base and the corresponding supporting surface;Figure 11 shows schematically a third stage where the heat source is in the process of being retracted from the slot between supporting surface and the corresponding bottom surface of the base, while increasing areas of the heated base surface is in the process of coming into contact with the corresponding heated surface of the supporting surface;Figure 12 shows schematically the stage where the chair is fixed to the supporting surface, ready to receive the reinforcement element(s);Figure 13 shows schematically a possible next stage in the process of affixing reinforcement to the supporting surface, where a reinforcement bar is in the process of being inserted in the bar locking device;Figure 14 shows schematically a stage where the reinforcement bar has been inserted into a centrally arranged aperture of the chair;Figure 15 shows schematically a stage where guiding lips forming the entrance to the aperture of the bar locking device are in the process of being heated as a preparation for closing the entrance;Figure 16 shows schematically the stage where the thermal heat source is in the process of being retracted and the guiding lips are welded together; Figure 17 shows schematically an embodiment of the chair not showing the spy and the outwardly deflectable surface; andFigure 18 shows a sideview of the chair.Detailed Description of Embodiments disclosed in the DrawingsThe following description of the exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments are discussed, for simplicity, with regard to a method for welding a chair to a lining or to insulation, creating a proper and adequate fixing of the chair to the supporting surface.Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.Figure 1 shows schematically a cross section through a tunnel 10, prior to shotcreting, indicating a lining 11, a plurality of chairs 12 and affixed reinforcement bars 20. As indicated the lining 11 is fixed to the rock by means of bolts 14 drilled into the surrounding rock and penetrating the lining 11. In order to secure water tightness the penetration is sealed and conventional sealing material with load distributing discs (not shown) are used. The lining 11 may be of flexible and bendable sheets extending for example as a unit following the entire profile shape of the tunnel 10. In the longitudinal direction of the tunnel 10, sections of transversely extending lining sheets 11 are arranged in an overlapping pattern. Concrete will be casted and the required outer layer of concrete for coverage of the reinforcement 20 (not shown) shall cover the spies 18.Figure 2 shows schematically a section of a wall surface, indication horizontal and vertical reinforcement bars 20, 20’, supported by chairs 12 configured in a pre-determined pattern.Figure 3 shows schematically a side view of one embodiment of a chair 12 according to the present invention. As indicated the disclosed embodiment of the chair 12 comprises a base 15 having a square footprint; a stem 16 projecting upwards from the base 15; a reinforcement bar locking device 17; and a spy 18. The purpose of the spy 18 is to serve as an indicator for required concrete thickness during the shotcreting process. Concrete is shot on to the supporting element so as to achieve an even thickness of concrete over the entire surface of the supporting surface. The length of the spy 18 is chosen so as to secure sufficient concrete coverage for the reinforcement.Moreover, the distance from the base 15 to the reinforcement bar locking device 17 is configured such that sufficient concrete also may be placed between the supporting surface 11 and the reinforcement 20.The reinforcement bar locking device comprises a ventrally arranged aperture 19 with an area somewhat larger than the cross-sectional area of the reinforcement bar 20 to be inserted into the aperture 19. In order to enable reinforcement bars 20 to be inserted into the aperture 19, the reinforcement bar locking device 17 is provided with a throat 21 through the sidewall to enable the reinforcement bar 20 to be inserted sideways into the aperture 19. In order to ease such insertion, the throat 21 is associated with centering devices in the form of two lips 22 extending sideways out from the throat 21. The cross-sectional area between the lips 22 is increasing outwards and at the outer end, the cross-sectional area of said opening is equal to or larger than the cross-sectional area of the reinforcement bare to be sideways inserted between the lips 22, through the throat 21 into the aperture 19. Figure 4 shows schematically a view of the chair 12 disclosed in Figure 3, rotated 90 degrees.Figure 5 shows in enlarged scale a section of the entrance for reinforcement bars 20 in the reinforcement bar locking device, marked by A in Figure 3. As shown the entrance is formed of two lips 22 establishing an opening extending inward to the central aperture 19 through a throat 21. The dimensions and the material used in the lips 22 are configured such that the throat 21 may be forced more open when introducing a reinforcement bar 20 sideways into the aperture 19. Moreover, the lips 22 are also configured such that the lips 22 may be pressed or forced together when closing the throat subsequent to insertion of the reinforcement bar 20 by means of welding. The inner surfaces of the lips 22 are for the welding purpose preferably provided with a slightly uneven surface, for example formed by beans or bulbs or fins 23.Figure 6 shows in enlarged scale a section of the base of the chair, marked with B in Figure 3. As indicated, a connecting surface layer 13 (not shown) intended to face the supporting surface 11 of the membrane or lining is preferably provided with a slightly uneven surface, for example formed by beans or bulbs or fins 23.Figure 7 shows schematically a view of the chair disclosed in figures 3 and 4, seen from above. The Figure indicates the base 15, the reinforcement bar locking device 17 and the spy 18. As indicated the lips 22 projects more or less sideways out from the reinforcement bar locking device 17, while the spy 18 projects up from the reinforcement bar locking device 17.Figure 8 shows schematically a bottom view of the chair 12, indicating the connecting surface layer 13 intended to be faced towards the lining 11. In order to secure adequate welded contact fixing the chair securely to the lining, the bottom surface is preferably provided with a slightly uneven surface, for example formed by beans or bulbs or fins 23. Moreover, parallel beads 23 are disclosed. Figure 9 shows schematically a first stage in the process of affixing a chair 12 to a supporting surface 11, where only a rear part of the base 15 is in contact with the supporting surface 11, the rear part being a straight edge of the base pressed downwards towards the supporting surface 11. As a consequence, a gap 26 is formed and the half of the base in the region of its contact point with the supporting surface 11 will be bent while the remaining part, i.e., the fore part of the base 15 will remain more or less plane.Figure 10 shows schematically a second step in the affixing process, where a thermal heat source 25, such as a heat pistol, adds heat to the contact surface of the base 15 and the corresponding supporting surface 11. Preferably, the thermal fluid used may be air, and the temperature may for example be around 500 °C. As the surfaces are heated, for example for 1 to 4 seconds the outer layer, the boundary layer, on both surfaces 15,11 is softened or partly melted, whereupon the heat source 25 is retracted and a tilting force (ref. the arrow), is applied to the chair, thereby increasing gradually the contact area between the bottom surface of the base and the upper surface of the supporting surface 11. Such retracting movement of the heat source 25 is indicated by the arrow in Figure 10.Figure 11 shows schematically a third stage where the heat source 25 is completely retracted and a straight edge of the base 15 is pressed downwards towards the supporting surface 11.Figure 12 shows schematically the stage where the thermal heat source 25 is completely retracted, the entire base 15 area of the chair 12 is in complete contact with the supporting surface 11 and the chair 12 is fixed to the supporting surface 11, ready to receive the reinforcement element(s).Figure 13 shows schematically a possible next stage in the process of affixing reinforcement 20 to the supporting surface 11, where a reinforcement bar 20 is in the process of being inserted through the lips 22 and the throat 21, into the centrally arranged aperture 19 of the bar locking device 17.Figure 14 shows schematically the stage where the reinforcement bar 20 has been inserted into the centrally arranged aperture 19 of the reinforcement bar locking device 17.Figure 15 shows schematically the stage where guiding lips 22 are heated by a thermal heating device 25 as a preparation for closing the lips 22 and the throat 21, ref, the arrows in Figure 15, indicating the closing force applied to the lips 22, and Figure 16 shows schematically the completed stage where the lips are closed and the thermal heating device 25 is in the process of being removed, the reinforcement bar 20 being in locked position.Figure 17 shows schematically an embodiment of a tilted view of the chair 12, not showing the spy 18 and the outwardly deflectable surface 22. The chair having a base 15 with a square shape. The chair is not limited to a square shape, the base may have a more rounded shape but then with at least one straight edge. When tilting the chair 12 on the supporting surface 11 prior to and during heating of the connecting surface layer 13 and/or the supporting layer 11, the chair 12 may be leaning or resting on that straight edge. The chair 12 may comprise a projection 28 projecting out from one of the straight edges of the base 15, projecting parallel to the top 27 and bottom surface 24 of the base 15, wherein the chair 12 is leaning or resting on that projection 28 prior to and during heating of the connecting surface layer 13 and/or the supporting layer 11.Leaning on the projection 28 during heating the heat can pass between the base 15 of the chair 12 and the supporting surface 11, to avoid the hot air to be trapped or accumulated towards the membrane or lining and thus avoid heating the membrane or lining unnecessarily up. In embodiments the chair comprises at least two projections 28 projecting from a straight edge of the base 15 of the chair 12. The at least two projections 28 projecting from the same straight edge of the base in order to have more stability to the chair while tilting for heating, or the at least two projections 28 projecting at different straight edges of the base in order to have more opportunities and alternatives on which projection 28 to lean towards while tilting for heating.Figure 18 shows a sideview of the chair 12 showing the base member 15 with the top surface 27 and the connecting surface layer 13. In embodiments, also fins, ridges, points or protrusions or unevenness 23 as mentioned earlier may be added to the surface of the connecting surface layer 13 intended to face the supporting surface 11.Even though all Figures show the supporting surface 11 to be in a horizontal position, the supporting surface 11 may be vertical or forming part of an arced ceiling, for example in a tunnel, without deviating from the inventive concept.Moreover, the chair may have any suitable shape as long as it may be possible to weld the chair in an appropriate, predetermined manner to the supporting surface and keeping the reinforcement in a stable, fixed position with respect to the supporting surface, and as long as the installed reinforcement and the chairs for fixing the reinforcements to the supporting surface also function as a stiffening or reinforcing element also for the supporting surface during shotcreting, where the supporting surface is subjected to large and heavy impact from the concrete shot on to the surface.Table 1
Claims
Patent Claims1. Chair (12) for supporting a reinforcement element (20) for concrete on a supporting surface (11), for example arranged on a tunnel wall or roof surface, wherein said chair (12) being made of a plastic material and said chair (12) comprises:− a base member (15) comprising a bottom surface (24) and a top surface (27) opposite the bottom surface (24), wherein the bottom surface (24) of the base member (15) is configured to be attached to the supporting surface (11);− an intermediate part (16) being fixed to and extending out from the top surface of the base member (15); and− a reinforcement bar locking device (17) provided with a member for receiving and fixing the reinforcement element (20), the locking device (17) being fixed to an opposite end of the intermediate part (16), characterized in thatsaid base member (15) comprises a connecting surface layer (13) on the bottom surface (24) of the base member (15) configured to be attached to the supporting surface (11) and where said connecting surface layer (13) being made of a material having a melting temperature equal to or close to the melting temperature of the supporting surface (11) and where the connecting surface layer (13) is adapted to be heated by a temperature equal to or lower than the heat needed to heat the supporting surface when fixing the chair to the supporting surface by means of a weld when they are pressed together.2. Chair (12) according to claim 1, wherein the material of connecting surface layer (13) being a material weldable to the supporting surface (11).3. Chair (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting surface layer (13) is fixed by welding to the supporting surface (11).4. Chair (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting surface layer (13) is an adhesive layer.5. Chair (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the base member (15) is having at least one straight edge.6. Chair (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the base member (15) is having at least two straight edges.7. Chair (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the base member (15) is having a square shape.8. Chair (12) according to one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the base member (15) is provided with at least one projection (28) projecting out from a straight edge of the base member (15), the projection (28) projecting parallel to the top surface (27) and bottom surface (24) of the base member (15).9. Chair (12) according to one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the base member (15) is provided with at least two projections (28) projecting out from a straight edge of the base member (15), the projection (28) projecting parallel to the top surface (27) and bottom surface (24) of the base member (15).10. Chair (12) according to one of the claims 6 or 7, wherein the base member (15) is provided with at least two projections (28) projecting out from at least two straight edges of the base member (15), the projections (28) projecting parallel to the top surface (27) and bottom surface (24) of the base member (15).11. Chair (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcement bar locking device (17) being provided with a member for receiving the reinforcement element (20), wherein the locking device (17) is in a form of at least one outwardly deflectable surface (22), enabling the reinforcement element (20) to be snapped into an aperture (19) of the locking device (17); and the at least one outwards deflecting surface (22) is, upon completed receipt of the reinforcement element (20), bent and welded to an adjacent surface (22), thereby closing the snapping part of the locking device (17).12. Chair (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting surface layer (13) of the base (15), configured to face towards the supporting surface (11), comprises fins, ridges, points or protrusions or unevenness (23) and/or has a thickness and/or flexibility/thickness that enables the base (15) to be bent at a rim point or portion (B) during an initial stage of installation.13. Chair (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate part (16) is in the form of a single stem projecting outwards from the top surface (27) of the base (15) and forming an integrated part with the base (15).14. Method for fixing a reinforcement element (20) for concrete on a supporting surface (11) in a predetermined distance from said supporting surface (11), wherein a chair (12) according to any of the preceding claims is connected to the supporting surface (11), wherein the method comprises the following steps:(i) heating of the connecting surface layer (13) of the chairs (12) and/or of the supporting surface (11) by hot air from a heat generating device (25),(ii) welding the connecting surface layer (13) of the chair (12) onto the supporting surface (11),(iii) inserting and snapping a reinforcement element (20) into the reinforcement bar locking device (17),(iv) bending and welding the at least one outwards deflecting surface (22) to an adjacent surface (22), thereby closing the snapping part of the locking device (17).15. Method according to claim 14, wherein hot air is blown in along the supporting surface (11) under the bottom surface (24) of the chair (12), and that a slot is provided during the initial stage of the heating into which hot air is blown, enabling at least the connecting surface layer (13) of the base (15) and possibly also the supporting surface (11) to be exposed to the heat, whereupon the heated base (15) is pressed down into contact with the preferably heated supporting surface (11).16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the chair (12) preferably is tilted slightly on a straight edge of the base (15), forming for example an initial angle in the order of 45 degrees between the supporting surface (11) and the connecting surface layer (13) of the chair (12), the portion of the base (15) in contact being on opposite side of the heating source, and the initial surface forming a curved surface, the base (15) being pressed down towards the supporting surface (11).17. Method according to one of the claims 14 to 16, wherein the air temperature of the hot air supplied is in the region of 500°C; the supporting surface (11) and the connecting surface layer (13) being heated for 1 to 4 seconds; and then the surface layer (13) of the chair (12) to be attached is pressed onto the heated supporting surface (11).18. Method according to one of the claims 14 to 17, wherein the opening (21) in the locking device (17) is closed upon completed insert of reinforcement element (20).19. Method according to claim 18, wherein the opening (21) is closed by means of welding using hot air from a heat generating device (25).20. Method according to one of the claims 14 to 19, wherein the chair (12) is oriented in such way on a more or less vertical surface that the opening (21) is oriented upwards.21. Method for manufacturing of the chair (12) according to one of the claims 1-12, wherein the connecting surface layer (13) is injection moulded onto the bottom surface (24) of the base member (15) of the chair (12) in a two-cavity mould for a multi-component injection moulding process of the chair (12).Krav1. Stol (12) for å støtte et armeringselement (20) for betong på en støtteflate (11), for eksempel anordnet på en tunnelvegg eller veggflate, hvor nevnte stol (12) er laget av et plastmateriale og nevnte stol (12) omfatter:− et baseelement (15) som omfatter en bunnflate (24) en toppflate (27) motsatt av bunnflaten (24), hvor bunnflaten (24) av baseelementet (15) er konfigurert til å festes til støtteflaten (11);− en mellomliggende del (16) som er festet til og strekker seg ut fra toppflaten av baseelementet (15), og− en armeringsjernlåseanordning (17) tilveiebrakt med et element for å motta og feste armeringselementet (20), hvor låseanordningen (17) er festet til en motsatt ende av den mellomliggende delen (16),karakterisert ved atnevnte baseelement (15) omfatter et forbindende overflatelag (13) på bunnflaten (24) av baseelementet (15) konfigurert til å festes til støtteflaten (11) og hvor nevnte forbindende overflatelag (13) er laget av et materiale som har en smeltetemperatur lik eller nær smeltetemperaturen til støtteflaten (11) og hvor det forbindende overflatelaget (13) er tilpasset til å varmes ved en temperatur lik eller lavere enn varmen som trengs for å varme støtteflaten når stolen festes til støtteflaten ved hjelp av en sveis når de presses sammen.2. Stol (12) ifølge krav 1, hvor materialet til det forbindende overflatelaget (13) er et materiale som kan sveises til støtteflaten (11).3. Stol (12) ifølge krav 1 eller 2, hvor det forbindende overflatelaget (13) er festet ved sveising til støtteflaten (11).4. Stol (12) ifølge ett hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor det forbindende overflatelaget (13) er et klebende lag.5. Stol (12) ifølge ett hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor baseelementet (15) har minst én rett kant.6. Stol (12) ifølge ett hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor baseelementet (15) har minst to rette kanter.7. Stol (12) ifølge ett hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor baseelementet (15) har en firkantet form.8. Stol (12) ifølge ett av kravene 5 til 7, hvor baseelementet (15) er tilveiebrakt med minst ett fremspring (28) som er stikker ut fra en rett kant av baseelementet (15), hvor fremspringet (28) stikker ut parallelt med toppflaten (27) og bunnflaten (24) av baseelementet (15).9. Stol (12) ifølge ett av kravene 5 til 7, hvor baseelementet (15) er tilveiebrakt med minst to fremspring (28) som er stikker ut fra en rett kant av baseelementet (15), hvor fremspringet (28) stikker ut parallelt med toppflaten (27) og bunnflaten (24) av baseelementet (15).10. Stol (12) ifølge ett av kravene 6 eller 7, hvor baseelementet (15) er tilveiebrakt med minst to fremspring (28) som er stikker ut fra minst to rette kanter av baseelementet (15), hvor fremspringene (28) stikker ut parallelt med toppflaten (27) og bunnflaten (24) av baseelementet (15).11. Stol (12) ifølge ett hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor armeringsjernlåseanordningen (17) er tilveiebrakt med et element for å motta armeringselementet (20), hvor låseanordningen (17) er formet som minst én utoverbøybar overflate (22), som muliggjør at armeringselementet (20) kan snappes inn i en åpning (19) av låseanordningen (17); og hvor den minst ene utoverbøybare overflaten (22) er, ved fullført mottak av armeringselementet (20), bøyd og sveiset til en tilstøtende overflate (22), og dermed lukker den snappende delen av låseanordningen (17).12. Stol (12) ifølge ett hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor det forbindende overflatelaget (13) av basen (15), konfigurert til å vende mot støtteflaten (11), omfatter ribber, rygger, spisser eller fremspring eller ujevnheter (23) og/eller har en tykkelse og/eller fleksibilitet/tykkelse som tillater at basen (15) bøyes ved en kantspiss eller del (B) under en innledende installasjonsfase.13. Stol (12) ifølge ett hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor den mellomliggende delen (16) er formet som en enkel stamme fremspringende utover fra toppflaten (27) av basen (15) og danner en integrert del med basen (15).14. Fremgangsmåte for å feste et armeringselement (20) for betong på en støtteflate (11) i en forhåndsbestemt avstand fra nevnte støtteflate (11), hvor stolen (12) ifølge ett hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene er koblet til støtteflaten (11), hvor fremgangsmåten omfatter følgende trinn:(i) å varme opp det forbindende overflatelaget (13) av stolen (12) og/eller av støtteflaten (11) med varm luft fra en varmegenererende anordning (25),(ii) å sveise det forbindende overflatelaget (13) av stolen (12) på støtteflaten (11), (iii) å sette inn og snappe et armeringselement (20) inn på armeringsjernlåseanordningen (17),(iv) å bøye og sveise den minst ene utoverbøybare overflaten (22) til en tilstøtende overflate (22), og dermed lukke den snappende delen til låseanordningen (17).15. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 14, hvor varm luft blåses inn langs støtteflaten (11) under bunnflaten (24) av stolen (12), og at et spor er tilveiebrakt under den innledende fasen av oppvarmingen som varm luft blåses inn i, som muliggjør at minst det forbindende overflatelaget (13) av basen (15) og muligens også støttelaget (11) utsettes for varmen, hvorpå den oppvarmede basen (15) presses ned i kontakt med den fortrinnsvis oppvarmede støtteflaten (11).16. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 14 eller 15, hvor stolen (12) fortrinnsvis er skråstilt noe på en rett kant av basen (15), og danner for eksempel en åpningsvinkel i størrelsesorden 45 grader mellom støtteflaten (11) og det forbindende overflatelaget (13) av stolen (12), den delen av basen (15) som er i kontakt er på motsatt side av varmekilden, og åpningsflaten danner en buet overflate, basen (15) presses ned mot støtteflaten (11).17. Fremgangsmåte ifølge ett av kravene 14 til 16, hvor lufttemperaturen av den varme luften som tilføres er i området av 500°C; støtteflaten (11) og det forbindende overflatelaget (13) varmes i 1 til 4 sekunder; og deretter er overflatelaget (13) av stolen (13) som skal festes presset på den oppvarmede støtteflaten (11).18. Fremgangsmåte ifølge ett av kravene 14 til 17, hvor åpningen (21) i låseanordningen (17) er lukket når armeringselementet (20) er satt inn.19. Fremgangsmåten ifølge krav 18, hvor åpningen (21) lukkes ved hjelp sveising ved å bruke varm luft fra en varmegenererende anordning (25).20. Fremgangsmåte ifølge ett av kravene 14 til 19, hvor stolen (12) orienteres på en slik måte på en mer eller mindre vertikal overflate at åpningen (21) orienteres oppover.21. Fremgangsmåte for å fremstille stolen (12) ifølge ett av kravene 1-12, hvor det forbindende overflatelaget (13) er sprøytestøpt på bunnflaten (24) av baseelementet (15) av stolen (12) i en to-kavitets støpeform for en fler-komponents sprøytestøpeprosess av stolen (12).
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Patent classes

IPC classesE21D 11/00E21D 11/04E21D 11/10E21D 11/12E21D 11/38E04C 5/16E04C 5/20CPC classesE21D 11/00E21D 11/003E21D 11/006E21D 11/04E21D 11/10E21D 11/107E21D 11/12E21D 11/38E21D 11/383E04C 5/16E04C 5/167E04C 5/168E04C 5/20

Citations

SE 1950551 A1 (A1)NO 341919 B1 (B1)"FRA PORTAL TIL PORTAL – tunnelhåndbok" – OLDROYD ()"OLDROYD® RoadRunner " Oktober 2020 ()"OLDROYD® MultiSafe 1500 R" Oktober 2020 – ()

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Owners
CHEETHAM JOHN OLDROYD
Hasselstien 2 3924 PORSGRUNN NO (PORSGRUNN Municipality, Telemark county)Org. number: 995349078Inventors
John Oldroyd Cheetham
Hasselstien 2 3924 PORSGRUNN NO (PORSGRUNN Municipality, Telemark county)

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ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS

Org. number: 932214636

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Edvard Griegs vei 1 5059 BERGEN NO (BERGEN Municipality, Vestland county)
Org. number: 932214636
Reference: P38628NO00

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